Radio interviewer Terry Gross to speak at WCU

WEST CHESTER — Known for her interviews and probing questions as the host of Fresh Air, Terry Gross will stop by West Chester University on Nov. 16 to open up about her career and share some of its most memorable moments.

Billed as “Off Air With Fresh Air,” Gross said that during the event she will replay excerpts of interviews including moments that were unusual or embarrassing at times.

Gross will share her adventures hosting Fresh Air and play interview clips of times when things didn’t go as she expected. Illustrations by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Tony Auth will accompany her on stage.

“It’s something to see in addition to me,” Gross joked.

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Following the presentation, audience members will turn the tables on the noted interviewer during a question and answer period with Gross.

“Terry has been a vital part of WHYY for more than 30 years. Her interviews combine intelligence, curiosity, courage and most of all, heart,” said Bill Marrazzo, WHYY president and CEO, in a statement. “Listening to Terry on air is always a treat, but attending one of her rare public appearances is something else entirely.”

A Peabody Award-winning host of WHYY-FM’s “Fresh Air,” Gross has enjoyed a career in radio for more than 35 years though she began her career as a teacher after majoring in English.

With such a long tenure, Gross embraces her career though joked “it’s a great broadcasting career without having to worry about your hair and what you’re wearing. I really do enjoy the invisibility of it.”

Gross is known for her interviews of high profile cultural icons and often deep, thoughtful questions which have at times caused conflict with her guests.

Gross said that opposed to Larry King, who said he never liked to read the book of the person he was interviewing, she practices the opposite, often extensively researching the guest and their body of work before each interview.

“I want my questions to get at what makes this person unique,” Gross said. “The way to get at that is to know the persons work well enough, to relate to them. If somebody understands that you care about their work and are acquainted with them, they are more likely to speak, open up, and be honest.

Unlike television, which consumes more attention and can encourage more distractions with channel surfing, Gross said radio enjoys a more complimentary relationship with the listener, which keeps programs like hers in demand.

“I think people are still interested in long form interviews and I think radio is the best place for that,” Gross said.

With such a long career, some interviews don’t wind up as planned or with the guests walking out.

This was the case for Gross with both Bill O’Reilly and Lou Reed, who didn’t appreciate Gross’ line of questioning.

In these experiences Gross said she doesn’t take it personally, and she will share some moments like this during the event.

“If they are getting angry I will do my best to explain why I am asking the question and sometimes that helps,” Gross said. “I don’t want to transgress on their privacy, though they draw the line for me.”

Gross said this is often interesting in the way where some guests won’t say a word about money but freely offer information on their divorce.

“I prefer to let somebody guide me,” she said.

Looking back on her career, Gross said it’s rewarding to be able to see the archive of their recordings at WHYY. She said she has no intention of ending her career soon.

“It makes me so proud that we as a staff have been able to accumulate that roster of people I love working with the people who I work with,” Gross said. “Everyday you get to put on a show. It’s a really difficult job, and the work is never done. But at the same time it’s so much fun to put on a show every day.”

The event will be from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, in Asplundh Hall. Regular tickets to the lecture start at $22.

Before the lecture, Gross will have a VIP reception at the university in Asplundh Hall. Tickets to the reception include the best seats in the house during the lecture.

That event begins at 12:30 p.m. Tickets to the VIP event are $80, which includes a $50 membership to WHYY.

For more information and to register, visit WHYY.org/events or call West Chester University’s Asplundh Hall box office at 610-436-2266.

About the Author

Jeremy Gerrard is the Daily Local News' reporter covering the West Chester area and local school district. Jeremy is a Chester County native and a graduate of Auburn University. Reach the author at jgerrard@dailylocal.com
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